This week I had an opportunity to connect with @imterencelester and @cecilialester while they were visiting Canada to speak and advance the mission of @lovebeyondwalls.
If you’ve been following us for a while you might remember the mobile hand-washing sinks that their organization sent us last year. There are hundreds of these stations across the US and beyond, but that’s only a small piece.
Witnessing the work of Love Beyond Walls unfold has been inspiring, not just because of what they do, but how they do it. LBW advocates, supports, and takes direct action to affirm the dignity of people experiencing homelessness.
It can be easy to give things, but caring for others isn’t only about that. Making time, listening to each other, sharing experiences—connecting as human beings—that’s what it means to show love to people.
Terence and his team have been extremely successful with providing things like sinks, showers, and other resources for unhoused individuals, but they have also led with the message that those in need of help are no different from anyone else, and are deserving of care, respect, kindness, and dignity. They work to educate others and foster empathy.
The work of helping others can create a kind of gulf between giver and receiver, helper and person being helped. But there is no us and them, it’s all us. And that “in-between” is where we meet each other and real connection happens.
Organizations like Love Beyond Walls understand this. I think that is a big part of why they can be so successful, so widespread, yet operate from a place of authenticity and integrity.
I have deep, deep respect for the work of Terence and his team, and it was truly an honor to sit down and share time with him and Cecilia.
If you haven’t already, please check out @lovebeyondwalls, as well as Terence’s books, “I See You” and “When We Stand”, both available on Amazon.
And if you’re looking for ways to make a difference in your community but don’t know where to start, please feel free to check in with us!
